Cologne (SID) – The entry of the German brands Audi and Porsche into Formula 1 is apparently getting closer. As the trade magazine auto motor und sport reported on Thursday, the supervisory board of the parent company Volkswagen gave the green light for future participation by the two subsidiaries in the premier class. However, a final decision to get started still depends on the precise form of the engine regulations from 2026.
“The board of directors and the supervisory board of Volkswagen AG, Porsche AG and Audi AG have confirmed the plans of the two group brands for a possible entry into Formula 1,” the group said at the request of the specialist magazine: “The brands Audi and Porsche will be given details let you know at a later date.”
The decision to get started is “not yet made, we are in the final phase of the evaluation. The new regulations for 2026 and subsequent years are not yet available. It provides for far-reaching changes for more sustainable sport”, this is a prerequisite for one possible entry.
This year, if possible in the summer, the world automotive association FIA wants to approve the regulations for the new drives. Only then should there be detailed statements from Porsche and Audi.
For Audi, a partial takeover of the traditional McLaren racing team seemed the most likely solution for a long time, but according to auto motor und sport this option has now receded into the background. The new favorite is therefore the Swiss Sauber team, which is currently competing under the name Alfa Romeo. At Porsche, however, everything still boils down to a collaboration with top team Red Bull.
The basic features of the future engine regulations are already in place, the drives should be simpler: one electric generator (MGU-H) will be abolished, the other (MGU-K) will deliver significantly more kilowatts. Half of the performance of the power unit should then come from the combustion engine and half from the electric motor. 100 percent CO2-neutral fuel should also be used. All of this is intended to attract new manufacturers.